The man suspected of flying himself and 149 people to their deaths on Tuesday was a quiet, 27-year old German who had a passion for gliders and competitive running, and an unexplained gap in his flight training, according to his employer and people who knew him.
In a press conference overnight, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed that Lubitz had taken several months off work without disclosing why, but said he was considered mentally and physically fit to fly.